because we need to be forgiven not only for our sins, but also their consequences—the obligations we have incurred. When you get so mad you slap your child, that is a sin against God and against the child. God forgives your anger, but what about your child? You have an obligation to your child to seek forgiveness. So you pray, “Forgive us our debts—our obligations—as we forgive our debtors.” Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive us our debts” because of the sins that involve other people. A “debt” is